Facelift pitched for Route 90

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This article was published 30/11/2011 (5147 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce hopes to begin work on improving an unsightly portion of Route 90 in St. James by spring or early summer.

The organization is working on finalizing plans for Chamber Way, an initiative to create a visually appealing gateway that links the new James Richardson International Airport with downtown.

The stretch of Route 90, specifically between Ness and St. Matthews avenues, needs to be revitalized now that the new airport is open, Chamber president Dave Angus said.

“It’s just a run down area, that stretch of land,” he said. “It’s a long, two-block stretch and it’s really noticeable. It’s been highlighted as a major blight.”

The concept for Chamber Way first came about six years ago, Angus said. Several concepts were drafted, however, complications quickly ballooned the project’s cost to more than $8 million, he said, more than what the city was willing to help finance.

“It’s a challenging piece of land,” Angus said, noting challenges such as burying hydro lines and erecting stone fencing.

The plan for Chamber Way is to eliminate the chain link fences on both sides of Route 90, which allow travelers to peer into the backyards of homes on either side of the road.

Hedging, decorative lighting, along with banners and public art will be installed to showcase Winnipeg’s artists and destinations, Angus said.

The chamber has been working with Manitoba Hydro and architects and is close to completing a plan that would cost between $3 and $4 million, Angus said.

Once the plans are complete, Angus plans to approach all levels of government, as well as the private sector, for financing.

“What we want is a gateway along Route 90 that is a better welcoming to our visitors,” he said.

Coun. Scott Fielding (St. James) said the city is interested in brightening the stretch, which is considered an “image route” into the city.

“We are more than interested in listening and beautifying that area,” Fielding said. “I agree with what they’re saying. It’s the first thing you pretty much see.”

Funds will likely be available from the city’s image route enhancement fund, he said. A small portion of the proceeds of the sale of Canad Inns Stadium may also go towards beautifying the area, Fielding said.

Jennifer Bishop, streetscaping supervisor for the St. James Village Business Improvement Zone, said the organization does its part by keeping the Route 90 underpass graffiti-free as well as other stretches of the busy thoroughfare as part of its partnership with the city.

“Not only for citizens, but for the people who visit because we want them to come back,” she said.

Improved landscaping, murals and pedestrian amenities could go a long way to livening up the area, she said.

“I’ve always felt it should be spruced up a little more,” she said, noting there has to be political and financial will.

“Do you want a road to drive on that is drivable or do you want petunias? There are only so many dollars to go around. But I think it’s important.”

While the BIZ doesn’t include businesses along the Route 90 stretch, that doesn’t mean it can’t expand, she added.

“We’re trying to expand our BIZ and take in more businesses, but it’s a slow process. We would work with anybody who wanted to do something,” she said.

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